If you’re referring to a social-media health claim, the ending is often something like “you may experience more acid reflux.” But the evidence is more nuanced.
Sleeping on your right side
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Acid reflux: Sleeping on the right side can worsen nighttime reflux for some people. The left side is generally associated with less reflux because of the position of the stomach and esophagus.
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Digestion: There isn’t good evidence that routinely sleeping on your right side is generally harmful to digestion.
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Heart: Claims that right-side sleeping is dangerous for your heart are usually overstated. For most healthy people, either side is acceptable.
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Comfort matters: Pregnancy, shoulder/hip pain, sleep apnea, and other conditions can affect which position is most comfortable or appropriate.
So, if you frequently experience heartburn at night, trying your left side—especially after avoiding meals close to bedtime—may help.
